Tire Disposal Options: How to Get Rid of Old Tires

Old tires are one of the most problematic items in waste management. They're banned from most landfills, don't compact, take centuries to decompose, and can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes when left outside. Whether you've got one worn-out set or a stack of 20 tires behind the garage, here's every legitimate option for getting rid of them.

Why Tire Disposal Is Complicated

Tires are classified as a special waste stream in most states because of their environmental impact. When stockpiled, they create fire hazards (tire fires burn for days and produce toxic black smoke), collect standing water, and can leach chemicals into soil and groundwater over time.

As a result, about 48 states have passed scrap tire management regulations. Most ban whole tires from standard landfills, which is why you can't just throw a tire in your trash bin or roll it to the curb and expect it to disappear.

Option 1: Return to the Retailer

The easiest option when you're getting new tires. Most tire retailers—Discount Tire, Firestone, Pep Boys, NTB, Costco Auto, Walmart Tire Center—will accept your old tires for a small fee or include disposal in the installation cost.

Typical retailer disposal fees: $2–$5 per tire. This fee is often built into the installation quote and may not be visible as a separate line item unless you ask.

If you already have the new tires mounted and just have a stack of old ones, you can still bring them to a tire retailer—though they may charge slightly more since there's no corresponding sale.

Option 2: Municipal Drop-Off Events

Many counties and municipalities host periodic hazardous waste and special waste collection events that accept tires. These are typically free or very low cost (often $1–$2 per tire). Check your local solid waste authority website for event schedules.

Some municipalities also have permanent household hazardous waste drop-off facilities that accept tires year-round. These often have limits—usually 4–8 tires per household per visit.

Option 3: Scrap Tire Recyclers

Tire recyclers accept tires in bulk and process them into crumb rubber (used in playground surfaces, athletic tracks, and asphalt), tire-derived fuel, or retreading stock. They're the best option if you have a large quantity.

To find a licensed scrap tire processor near you:

• Search your state's environmental agency website for a licensed tire processor directory
• Contact your local auto auction—they often have recycler relationships
• Ask local auto salvage yards; many accept tires

Fees vary: some processors charge $1–$3 per tire for passenger tires, while others accept them free or pay for large truck and agricultural tires that have higher rubber content.

Option 4: Auto Parts Stores and Service Centers

Many auto parts stores (AutoZone, O'Reilly, NAPA) and independent service centers will accept a small number of tires for a modest fee, even if you didn't buy the tires from them. Call ahead—policies vary by location and state.

Option 5: Junk Removal Services

Some junk removal companies accept tires, but this varies significantly by company and location. Tires typically incur a surcharge beyond standard volume pricing because the company must pay specialized disposal fees.

Expect to pay $10–$20 per tire when using a junk removal service. This is higher than retailer disposal but worthwhile if you're already having other junk removed and don't want to make a separate trip.

Important: always ask explicitly whether the company accepts tires before booking. Many don't, and showing up with tires on removal day can delay or complicate the job.

Option 6: Creative Reuse

If you're handy and have the space, tires have legitimate second lives:

• Raised garden beds — filled with soil and stacked, tires make durable planters; be aware of potential rubber leaching in vegetable gardens
• Tire swings — a classic for good reason; drill a drainage hole to prevent standing water
• Playground equipment — buried vertically in dirt for obstacle courses
• Erosion control — used on slopes and embankments in agricultural settings
• Donate to farms — farmers sometimes use tires as weights on silage covers or water troughs

Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist regularly have free tire listings—people who want them for creative projects will come pick them up at no cost to you.

What Not to Do

• Don't dump illegally — tire dumping carries significant fines in most states ($500–$5,000+) and creates cleanup liability
• Don't burn tires — produces toxic fumes and is illegal in all 50 states
• Don't bury tires — they're buoyant and will work their way to the surface over time
• Don't add them to dumpsters — most dumpster rental agreements explicitly prohibit tires

Cost Summary

• Tire retailer disposal: $2–$5 per tire
• Municipal collection event: Free–$2 per tire
• Scrap tire recycler: $0–$3 per tire (or free/paid for large tires)
• Junk removal service: $10–$20 per tire
• Free options: Craigslist/Marketplace giveaway, farm donation

Bottom line: For 1–4 tires, a tire retailer or municipal event is the cheapest and easiest option. For larger quantities, find a licensed scrap tire recycler. If you're already booking junk removal, ask if they accept tires—just expect a per-tire surcharge. Find local services that handle tires at JunkRemovalMap.com.